Benefits of Choristership

Laurence Kilsby

Being part of the Schola Cantorum for four years was certainly demanding, singing evensong four days a week, but hugely beneficial. I gained a great deal of experience and received first class tutoring which enhanced my musical skills both sight reading and improving my ability to sing under pressure.

This allowed me to develop a sense of professionalism and appreciation for music in general. Highlights for me include the tours to America in my first year and the Alps in my last, and the variety of concerts that I was involved in, not only abroad but also in the UK; creating memorable moments that I will always treasure.

I was lucky enough to win BBC Radio 2’s ‘Young Chorister of the Year’ in my second year as a chorister and the opportunities I gained from this (a highlight for me must include performing alongside Lesley Garrett as the Treble soloist at the Royal Albert Hall) would not have been available to me if I hadn’t gained the contacts and guidance from being a chorister. These experiences have created a musical grounding which I will always be thankful for, broadening my knowledge and opening doors which I never knew would be available.

Laurence left the Senior School in 2017 to take a coveted place at the ​Royal College of Music.

Parents’ Perspective

As well as all the obvious benefits of musical tuition, chorister parents comment frequently on the many additional benefits of chorister life they observe:

Working closely in a group of varying ages

Developing patience, kindness and respect

Self-discipline and organisation

An ability to listen carefully and follow detailed instructions

‘Learning how to balance a busy school day with its combination of academic studies, prep, sport, drama and chorister commitments has served my son very well as he has moved into the senior school. He has benefitted enormously and happily taken on the many opportunities on offer at Dean Close School’ chorister parent June 2017